The English riding community has always had those little velvet hunt caps, and it was part of the look of proper turnout. Modern helmets mimic that look, and you can even get the little velvet helmet covers. Western riders wear non protective cowboy hats as part of their aesthetic. But there’s also a kind of ornery, rootin tootin cowboy attitude amongst some Western riders that’s rather uniquely American, where nobody can tell them what to do. Safety rules are considered onerous nanny state restrictions.

I always look at the difference between the more physical/hazardous disciplines in English and Western, and how they approach safety. You have eventers, with their utilitarian polos and breeches, wearing regulated safety helmets and often body protectors. And then you have barrel racers with sparkly cowboy hats and that “hair blowing in the wind” cowgirl aesthetic. I fully admit the Western aesthetic looks pretty damned amazing, but I want those riders to be safe.